Growth mechanism of nano-plates structured SnS films on different substrates in glancing angle deposition method.

In this work, Tin (II) sulfide films have been deposited on glass, Indium Tin Oxide, and Fluorinated Tin Oxide substrates at the deposition angles of 0º, 65º, and 85º using Physical Vapor Deposition method equipped with Glancing Angle Deposition technique. Based on the results obtained from the X-ray diffraction technique, the crystalline structure of substrates and the angle of depositions along with their effects on the structure of SnS nano-plates have been investigated. Using Raman analysis, the phonons lifetime of the samples was found to change with the type of substrate and the employed deposition angle. Based Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, the atomic ratio of Sn to S was observed to change with the change of deposition angle, substrate type and variation the diameter of nano-plates. This phenomenon resulted the formation of the second phase of Sn2S3 which was confirmed by Raman and X-ray diffraction patterns. The nano-sheets-like growth of all the samples has been confirmed using Felid Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. For further morphological studies, the Atomic Force Microscopy analysis has been applied, by which the direct relation between the substrate roughness and the final structure of the samples has been observed. The relation between the substrate roughness and the deposition angle in the growth process of SnS nano-sheets has been explained.

Delay in starting treatment for tuberculosis in east London.

In the United Kingdom there is little information about the delay between the onset of symptoms in patients with tuberculosis and the time it takes for them to be correctly diagnosed and treatment started. We have examined the duration and possible causes of such delay in our own district. The records of 93 patients were examined. Total delay in starting treatment was estimated as the time from the start of symptoms to commencement of chemotherapy. Patient delays were estimated from the time between the start of symptoms to the time taken to first attend their general practitioner (GP) with symptoms. Healthcare system delays were estimated from the interval between first being assessed by their GP and starting anti-tuberculosis treatment. Median total delay was 18 weeks (0-219). The time when patients first presented to their GP was determined for 64 patients: median patient delay was then estimated as nine weeks (range 0-104 weeks), and median healthcare delay five weeks, with a very wide range (0.5-210). Prolonged delay was seen in three patients with cervical lymph node disease. Patient delay was significantly longer than healthcare system delay (p = 0.019). Pulmonary disease was associated with shorter total delay in starting treatment compared with extra-pulmonary disease (p = 0.035). In patients with tuberculosis there were considerable delays in first presentation to medical services, in diagnosis and in starting treatment. Patient delays were longer than healthcare system delays. There is a need to improve awareness of the symptoms of tuberculosis both on the part of the general population and of health professionals, especially in areas of high incidence.